Rome, Jan 18, (dpa/GNA) – Two senior Vatican staff and close associates of Pope Francis, have tested positive for the coronavirus, the Holy See press office announced on Tuesday.
Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and his deputy, Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, are isolating in their homes, the office said.
The cardinal secretary of state is the Vatican’s most important diplomat and is therefore considered number two in the Holy See after the pope.
Parolin, a 67-year-old Italian national, had very mild symptoms, while Pena Parra, 61 from Venezuela, had no symptoms.
Both clergymen have had three doses of vaccine, the Vatican said.
Recently, the Vatican issued strict anti-coronavirus rules. Only vaccinated or recovered employees are allowed to enter their workplace in the Holy See.
GNA